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Article History

Received: 9 October 2024

Accepted: 24 January 2025

First Online: 14 February 2025

Declarations

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: Ethical clearance was obtained from the ethical review committee of the School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar with letter reference number SBMLS- 510/2023 and the study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Additionally, a permission letter was obtained from the UoGCSH Chief Clinical Director. Before the collection of any data, informed written consent was obtained from the parents or legal guardians of each study participant. The consent process included an explanation of the study’s objectives, importance, associated risks and discomforts, benefits, confidentiality, and the option to withdraw from the study without losing any benefits from the hospital. Parents or legal guardians who could read and write provided their signatures for informed consent. In instances where parents or legal guardians were unable to read and write, data collectors read the information aloud and obtained informed consent; in this case, a fingerprint signature was taken from each parent or legal guardian. The study participants were identified using codes rather than individual identifiers to maintain confidentiality, and unauthorized persons did not have access to the collected data. The results and information of the study participants were kept confidential. Participants with hematological abnormalities were referred to the UoG-CSH pediatrics department for appropriate management. This research was conducted only with voluntary participation.

: Not applicable.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.